Hearing loss decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus prevent him from securing and maintaining gainful employment due to his inability to hear in even quiet environments, which precludes both physical and sedentary work.

The claim of service connection for hearing loss is reopened and the appeal is granted to this extent only. The case is remanded for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current hearing loss is related to his ACDUTRA or an injury during INACDUTRA.

The claim of service connection for recurrent tinnitus and an increased rating evaluation for bilateral hearing loss is being remanded due to the submission of new evidence. The Veteran's tinnitus may be related to his time in service or his service-connected hearing loss.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to his in-service noise exposure, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's hearing loss disability may be related to her Reserves service, and a VA examination is needed to determine this.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability during or within one year after service and concluding that his current hearing loss is not related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is related to her service-connected eczematous dermatosis, in-service noise exposure, or any other factors.

The Board has granted service connection for right ankle degenerative arthritis, bilateral knee osteoarthritis status post total knee replacements, and traumatic brain injury. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has remanded all issues on appeal due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service personnel and medical records, scheduling examinations, and seeking private treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for coronary artery disease is granted due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents during his service at RTAFB Nakhon Phanom. The claim for bilateral hearing loss is remanded as the January 2011 VA examination report is insufficient.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current tinnitus is as likely as not incurred during his active service. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the condition and service.

The Veteran's claim for hearing loss of the right ear was dismissed as it has been fully granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a right knee condition secondary to service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow the VA to further evaluate and determine service connection for a right eye disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and need for additional evidence, including VA treatment records and an audiological examination.

The Veteran's initial claim for bilateral hearing loss was received on February 29, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not support an earlier effective date and denied a higher rating prior to October 9, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder condition, right shoulder condition, and left eye macula condition are denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart condition is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral tinnitus and left carpal tunnel syndrome are denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for right carpal tunnel syndrome is denied.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for depression is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issue of service connection for a right knee disorder to include as secondary to a left ankle disorder.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for low back, left knee, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claims are being remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension secondary to diabetes mellitus, increased rating for tinnitus, and initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss disability. The claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right and left ear hearing loss and tinnitus due to incomplete development. The Veteran's hearing loss and tinnitus may be related to in-service noise exposure, but further examination is needed to determine this.